Turku tram construction begins with bridge renovation in 2027, tracks from 2028
Turku’s city council voted 36–31 on Monday to approve a 12-kilometre tram line, with preparatory work starting next year and track installation set to begin in 2028 if state funding is secured, project manager Kari-Pekka Lumme told Yle.
The project will begin with the renovation of Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge and its connecting streets in 2027, even if the decision is appealed to the administrative court. The court could halt work if it deems a suspension necessary. Actual track laying will start only after state funding is confirmed, expected around 2028.
Construction will proceed street by street over five years, with no simultaneous work citywide, Lumme said. Yle published a street-by-street schedule based on information from Turun Raitiotie Oy.
In 2028, tracks will be laid on Linnankatu, Satamakatu, Humalistonkatu (partially), Ilmattarenkatu and Joukahaisenkatu. In 2029, work moves to Juhana Herttuan Puistokatu, Vaasanpuisto, track-side construction sites and station square, and Hämeenkatu. The year 2030 is the busiest, with work on Kolmen Katariinan bulevardi, Kirstinpuisto, Eerikinkatu, Anikaistenkatu, Uudenmaankatu, Kiinamyllynkatu, Voimakatu, Suurpäänkatu and the depot branch (Revontulenkatu and Kiertotähdentie). In 2031, work continues on Kalervonkatu, Laukkavuorenpuisto, Littoistentie, Karvataskunkatu and depot branches. No new street projects will start in 2032; only ongoing work will be completed.
Some streets marked with an asterisk will be closed to through traffic during construction, with access only for properties. Pedestrian and bicycle passage will largely remain.
The construction schedule is affected by Turku’s 800th anniversary in 2029, when work near Turku Castle and the city centre will be paused, Lumme said.
Lumme noted that similar projects in Tampere and the Raide-Jokeri light rail in Helsinki and Espoo met their target schedules and budgets, and risks such as archaeological excavations and clay soil have been accounted for.